The World Table Tennis Championships
If table tennis weren’t exciting enough, Budapest, Hungary is now playing host to the World Table Tennis Championships, an event that draws spectators from around the globe. Budapest plays host to the excitement from April 21st till the 28th, and if you’re a table tennis fan, this is definitely the city to be in.
Not only is table tennis a fun, fast-paced sport that caters to all, but Budapest itself has much to offer to travelers. Known for its beauty and exciting sights, Budapest is a hidden gem that is suitable for the most discerning tourist. Enjoy watching the best table tennis players from across the globe at the Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, while experiencing a lively town that you’ll not soon forget.
The party atmosphere of this Hungarian capital is something you’ll not soon forget. That means that the Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center, where the tennis championships are held, is close to where all the action is happening. Experience Budapest’s finest restaurants and bars, or merely stay in the fan zone of the Fair Center where you can sample sports equipment, buy memorabilia, or play at a series of tables that are open to guests.
Budapest is a city steeped in tradition, and now we’ll highlight the key sights that are not to be missed.
The Chain Bridge
The most famous bridge in Budapest is the Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest. Built-in 1849, the bridge is officially known as István Széchenyi. When doing some sightseeing in Budapest, begin with a morning stroll across the bridge, or for an experience even more atmospheric, walk across the bridge at night for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Buda Castle
Located on the top of Castle Hill, the Buda Castle, formally known as the Royal Palace, is right next to other key sights such as the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. Once the home of Hungarian kings, the castle was completed in 1265 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Be sure to take the 2-hour guided tour which you can book online. There are also great tours of all of Budapest which include the Buda Castle. Open 24-hours a day, it’s easy to take a stroll around the castle grounds and soak in all the splendor. If you attend at the right time of year, you just might catch the beer festival, wine festival, or chocolate festival.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a great place to witness the changing of the guard. The Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most iconic structures, and it’s the 3rd largest parliament building in the world. After 17 years of construction, the building was finally completed in 1902. Be sure to take one of the parliament tours, and take a picture of the structure when it’s lit up at night.
Széchenyi Baths
Budapest is known for its baths, and Széchenyi it the most famous. Relax the day away and watch the tension melt into nothing. There are two thermal springs that heat more than 20 pools with a wide range of temperatures. These baths are quite medicinal and can help ease the stress of a number of degenerative joint illnesses and orthopedic traumas.
These are the largest medicinal baths in Europe, and the most beautiful. There’s a delightful Széchenyi pool party on Saturday nights from 10:30pm till 3am.
Danube River
The Danube runs between Buda and Pest, and there are a number of fun cruises that you can climb on board of. Choose from lunch/dinner cruises, half day cruises, and even cruises that will take you all the way to Germany. If you’re there at that special time of year, the Christmas market cruise is not to be missed.
Fisherman’s Bastion
If you’re looking for the best view of Budapest, head to the Fisherman’s Bastion Viewpoint. These were originally lookout towers, and there are 7 of them in total which is free to enter.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is a highlight in Budapest, but be sure to head to the top of the observation deck for the most stunning panoramic view of the city. Sure, you have to walk 365 stairs to get to the top, but there’s also an elevator for the faint of heart.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is the place to be for some of the best tastes in Budapest. This is the oldest and the largest indoor market in all of Budapest, and there are enough food stalls and restaurants to satisfy the hungriest traveler. While there, be sure to buy Hungarian spices and liquor.
Budapest Ruin Bars
There are tons of bars in Budapest, but it’s all about the ruin bars. Budapest ruin bars are one of a kind, and they’ve been around since 2001 in Budapest’s District VII neighborhood, also known as the Jewish quarter. These bars are actually abandoned buildings that have been left over from World War II.
Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
Last but not least, no trip to Budapest is complete without visiting the Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. Located in the heart of Budapest, this exciting table tennis tournament is suitable for all ages. If watching these world-class players isn’t exciting enough, merely step out of the Budapest Fair Center to experience one of the most exciting cities in the world.
